Cross was believed to have fallen onto the fence post after losing his footing while standing on branches about 30 feet off the ground and using a chainsaw, Wilsusen said.

The Milton First Aid Squad, paramedics and Atlantic Air One were dispatched to the scene, along with Jefferson Fire Company No. 1, which responded with its jaws of life to cut the fence post, Wilsusen said.

Cross, a 2003 graduate of Jefferson Township High School, was born in Boulder, Colo. but lived in the Oak Ridge section of Jefferson for the past 22 years, according to his obituary.

Cross was employed as an electrician's apprentice with Morris Electric of Lake Hopatcong, according to his obituary. He was an avid outdoorsman and automobile enthusiast, it said.

Cross is survived by his father, Gerald Cross of Oak Ridge; his mother, Lynn Cross of Landrum, S.C.; his brothers, Christopher, Jeremy and Devon Cross; and his fiance, Sally Peterson, according to his obituary.

Friends and family are invited to services on Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Sparta, according to his obituary. A funeral home service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday followed by cremation, according to his obituary.

Memorial contributions in Ross' name can be provided to PAWS (Pound Animal Welfare Society) of Montclair, Inc., P.O. Box 149, Montclair, NJ, 07042, according to his obituary.